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INTERVIEW: X Factor star Joe McElderry is heading for Weston

SINCE graduating The X Factor as champion in 2009 with his cover of Miley Cyrus' 'The Climb', Joe McElderry has tackled death-defying ski jumps, made his name in classical music, and even addressed the prestigious Oxford Union debating society.

Extra-curricular activities aside, he's sold over 2 million records worldwide; and was the first X Factor artist to release four albums.

His new tour, Set Your Soul Alive, comes to Weston's Playhouse in April.

“It's really exciting; my favourite part of my job. The show is full of new material I've written especially for the tour, and there'll be some of the old favourites.

“For me there's no better luxury as a performer than having different styles of music, and covering them all in a show. I'll be singing Nessun Dorma of course, and a few little surprises people tend not to expect from me. It's all fresh.”

Do you dance? You once described yourself as a frustrated dancer!

“I do do a bit of choreography, so there's an opportunity to get up and dance in the show.”

How does being an artist now compare to when you first won The X Factor?

“I just feel in myself more experienced. I have a great team around me who know what I want to do, and find ways to get there. I trust my decisions a lot more than I used to. Everything feels a lot more natural.”

Can you believe you've done everything you have at the age of 22?

“I feel very blessed; very lucky I've had this kind of career so far. I want to look back in 50 years and think wow, what a career. That's my plan long-term - it's about having a long, steady career, and having fun with it.”

· JOE McElderry plays Weston on Friday April 4. Tickets cost £20.50 (£19 for concessions), or £16 for under-16s. Book on 01934-645544 or www.theplayhouse.co.uk

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